In a significant development, the federal government has approved a substantial increase in the salaries of federal ministers and ministers of state, aligning them with the pay scale of Members of the National Assembly (MNAs). The decision was formalized through an ordinance issued by President Asif Ali Zardari, amending the “Salaries, Allowances and Privileges Act, 1975.”
According to the official notification, the basic monthly salary of a federal minister has been raised from Rs218,000 to Rs519,000, marking an increase of more than 140%. The salary of ministers of state has also been adjusted accordingly under the new ordinance.
Notably, the revised salaries will take effect retroactively from January 1, 2025. Eligible ministers are expected to receive arrears covering the months from January through April.
The move has generated mixed reactions from various quarters. Supporters argue the raise was overdue and brings parity across high-ranking public offices. However, critics have expressed surprise and concern over the timing of the increase, especially amid ongoing economic challenges faced by the general public.
The government has yet to issue an official statement addressing the criticism or providing further justification for the sudden and steep hike.
. The decision was formalized through an ordinance issued by President Asif Ali Zardari, amending the “Salaries, Allowances and Privileges Act, 1975.”){kind=link}